Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

Monday, February 25, 2013

NOLA continued...

So on Saturday night of our trip we went to a fabulous dinner at Galatoire's- YUM! We decorated with old pictures and all the mardi gras garb I could get my hands on....Lovey of course had some of her own already! We all gave toasts to the birthday girl-it was such a special time and so much fun to think about all the fun stories and great things my mom has taught us. Here is part of my toast...oh and dont think I forgot the top 60 things we LOVE about Ceec I just printed them off for her to have :)

Things I learned from Having you as My mom

Today is a very special day for me because we are in such a special place to celebrate such a special lady! I know there are jokes about growing up to be like your mother but to he honest, I always wanted to be like my mother and its no coincidence she is just like her mother, my mimi An incredibly strong, funny, happy person.

An Irish proverb says, “ A good laugh and a long sleep cure anything.” I think my mom laughs more than any one I know. She laughs at herself at me, at anything and everything...and she makes people laugh whenever she’s around. I am far more serious, and I wish her laughter and light hearted approach to things. The part about a good sleep if you are under 12 and crying, you are probably “tired and hungry” past 12...without a doubt “you are tired, lay down and you will feel so much better when you get up.” She still says this to me. She’s right but at the same time no matter what the problem is...when someone tells you, if you nap you will feel better, it makes it seem like things will be ok.

Don’t feel bad about taking care of yourself. It will help you take better care of everyone else. You cant be your best if you let yourself go. You cant watch after anyone if there is nothing left of you.

No only means no if you are ready to quit. As long as you are willing to keep working, to keep trying anything is possible. I was thinking back over some of the challenges we have had over the past few years and I thought about how even when things didnt seem like they would ever work out, or we had exhausted every option...it wasnt the end. It just meant there was something or someone we hadn’t thought of yet. That ‘not taking no for an answer” that Clay has had to face head on so many times, was instilled in me from the get go. I had the support behind me and if you are part of this family you are a part of a team, no one is alone in anything we may face.

Animal Print. It’s always “in” in some form or fashion. Wear Black. You cant go wrong, but there’s always somewhere for some animal print as an accent, even if it is your dining room chairs.

Hard Work can be fun. This summer we took on a huge 8 week project. She came over to trim a few bushes and in no time we had sledge hammers, crow bars, saws and before we knew it fences were gone, a fountain was no more....we were soaking wet, and stinky every single day but everyday I looked so forward to what we were going to do that day, how much we were going to laugh and just knowing we were going to spend the next day the same way.

Dont hold a grudge. Deal with something and move on. She said this to me about being a mom not long ago. When I look at my kids now I know its okay to make my point, but then let it go, offer grace. They are still “my boy and my girl.” And in 33 years I hope we are as close as I am with my mom.

Shower at least twice a day, going to bed with the filth you have been in all day is just gross.

Your pets only have you, they love you unconditionally and the joy they bring you outweighs anything bad they could ever do.

No one ever knows what you do all day, how hard you work or what you really get done, don’t expect them to, it won’t happen.

Sometimes rather than going on and on about how you would do something differently or how a situation is completely unbelievable to you, just be glad its NOT you. Let it go and thank God for your circumstance.

Make traditions...it will keep your babies engaged, keep them going and they will want to spend those special days with you.

Its okay to start with dessert, eventually you will get to your real food, no everyone does things in the same order, its part of what makes the world go around...

Cliches, que sera que sera, Hill of beans, it is what it is, and if you want someone’s attention start the sentence with , “well, hey.....”, screw it, it is what it is..."tump", "stoop", "Ham Store"

I have to say that one of the most important things she has ever said to me or ever showed me. Is people look to you to see how you treat people, if you love someone show it, if you think they are the best thing on the planet, tell them...people will react the way you do.

I have to say I have such a long way to go, I asked Madden what she had learned from me and she said, “uhm to be kind and try to be nice, lots of spinning and some fun jumping things.”

I am learning how much courage it takes to be a mom, there is so much risk involved. There will be times you feel like you have failed but in the mind and heart of your child you are a super mom.

Happy Birthday to my very own super mom....

I love you more than you know.

Proverbs 31

The Wife of Noble Character

17

She sets about her work vigorously;her arms are strong for her tasks.

18

She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night.

19

In her hand she holds the distaffand grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20

She opens her arms to the poorand extends her hands to the needy.

21

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22

She makes coverings for her bed;she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23

Her husband is respected at the city gate,where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24

She makes linen garments and sells them,and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25

She is clothed with strength and dignity;she can laugh at the days to come.

26

She speaks with wisdom,and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27

She watches over the affairs of her householdand does not eat the bread of idleness.

28

Her children arise and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her:

29

“Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all.”

30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31

Honor her for all that her hands have done,and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

About Me

hi! I am Suzanne, although I usually go by Murphy's Mom, or Maddens mom. I have lived in Memphis my whole life (other than the good old days in Oxford:). I met my husband, Clay at Law school here in Memphis. We got married and now spend most of our time working and trying our best to shape our two little ones into Christ loving followers of His word...its a tough job, but we love it.